Value Over Volume: What It Means for Norlands Box Company
Value Over Volume: What It Means for Norlands Box Company
The packaging industry is undergoing a shift, with major players like International Paper and Smurfit Westrock championing the mantra of “value over volume.” But what does “value” really mean in the world of corrugated packaging? At Norlands Box Company, we see value as more than just the price of a box—it’s about reliability, quality, and strategic partnerships that drive long-term success.
Understanding Value in Packaging
Value is subjective and ultimately determined by the customer. While some businesses focus purely on cost, others prioritize consistency, supply security, or brand image. Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, typically applied to human psychology, can also help explain how packaging buyers determine value:
- Physiological Needs: Ensuring the correct packaging is delivered on time, every time.
- Safety and Security: Providing guaranteed supply at stable and predictable prices.
- Love and Belonging: Building long-term relationships with customers, treating them as partners rather than transactions.
- Self-Esteem: Elevating brands through high-quality packaging that reinforces product value.
- Self-Actualization: Collaborating with customers to develop innovative, sustainable, and customized solutions.
Quality, Price, and Speed—The Packaging Triangle
In packaging, value is often assessed through three key factors: quality, price, and speed. However, achieving all three simultaneously is a challenge:
- Low Price + Fast Speed = Lower Quality
- Good Quality + Low Price = Longer Lead Times
- Fast Speed + Good Quality = Higher Cost
Many integrated paper producers struggle with efficiency, leading to increased lead times of 3-4 weeks. Meanwhile, price increases are affecting affordability. This puts Norlands Box Company in a unique position: We focus on optimizing these variables to meet our customers’ specific needs, balancing quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
The Norlands Approach: Delivering Real Value
At Norlands, we understand that in a commoditized industry, differentiation comes from service, consistency, and trust. Here’s how we create value beyond just price:
- Reliable Lead Times: We prioritize efficient production and logistics to ensure timely deliveries, reducing downtime for our customers.
- Consistent Quality: Every box we produce meets high-performance standards, ensuring our customers’ products are well-protected.
- Long-Term Partnerships: We collaborate closely with businesses to develop packaging solutions that align with their growth and sustainability goals.
- Stable Pricing Strategies: Instead of competing solely on cost, we focus on long-term pricing stability, giving our customers financial predictability. In an environment where tariffs, especially on international trade, can disrupt the supply chain, we strive to maintain stability and mitigate price fluctuations. For instance, the potential imposition of tariffs on goods, including packaging materials, could increase costs for companies relying on cross-border supply chains. However, by working closely with our suppliers and leveraging our strategic partnerships, we are able to anticipate these changes and help our customers stay ahead, ensuring financial predictability even in times of uncertainty.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to look to the future, Norlands remains committed to innovating and adapting to the ever-changing packaging landscape. We are focused on advancing technology, building stronger relationships with our partners, and ensuring that our customers receive the highest level of service. However, the evolving global trade environment, especially with the potential for tariffs, adds a layer of complexity to our industry. The imposition of tariffs on imported materials, like paper and packaging components, can have significant impacts on pricing and supply chain reliability. At Norlands, we are proactive in navigating these challenges by diversifying our sources, focusing on local production capabilities, and maintaining open communication with our customers. This ensures that even in uncertain times, we can provide stable, cost-effective solutions that align with our long-term vision and values. We are confident that with these strategies in place, Norlands will continue to thrive, delivering value and quality in every box we produce.
